Recently introduced Senate legislation aims to cut red tape hindering health care services for current military members and veterans.
Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen of Nevada said the duplicative credentialing and privileging when medical providers move between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs impede care for service members.
Credentialing is the process of confirming that the provider has the proper education, training, licenses, and experience to properly treat patients, while the privileging process determines what medical services can be performed based on that provider’s skill and experience.
The Defense Department and VA currently have separate credentialing and privileging systems that don’t transfer between departments, according to the lawmakers. Having to redo credentialing and privileging takes time away from caring for patients, as the duplication process takes several months.
“Health care providers shouldn’t be hindered by bureaucratic red tape when caring for the men and women who have bravely served our nation,” Ms. Blackburn said in a statement. “Our bipartisan legislation would end unnecessary duplication so that medical providers can move between the DoW and VA more quickly, ensuring service members and veterans get the high-quality care they need without delay.”
Ms. Blackburn used the acronym for the Department of War. The president renamed the Defense Department as the Department of War, but it still requires an act of Congress to make the new name legal.
The bill would direct the Pentagon and the VA to create a joint credentialing and privileging system.
“Health care providers who work at the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense do critical work in caring for the men and women who serve and have served our nation,” Ms. Rosen said. “As long as I’m in the Senate, I’ll always work to make sure everyone who has worn our nation’s uniform has the care, support, and hope they deserve.”
A companion legislation has been introduced in the House by Reps. Greg Murphy, North Carolina Republican, and Susie Lee, Nevada Democrat.
The Military Health System has an obligation to provide medical care to 9.5 million service members. The Veteran Health Administration Integration provides care to 9.1 million enrolled veterans, according to the House lawmakers.
Mr. Murphy said that creating a uniform process will save taxpayers money and enhance care.
“By streamlining oversight, increasing accountability, and improving coordination, millions of military and veteran beneficiaries will receive high-quality care that safely meets their medical needs,” he said.
“This legislation is a strategic opportunity for the advancement of healthcare priorities throughout the federal sector healthcare system that strengthens workforce recruitment and retention, refines effective government health agency practices, and provides for service members and veterans, all while safeguarding and better utilizing Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars.”
